Renault Captur first drive | A practical and efficient compact SUV

The Captur is a very worthy consideration in the compact SUV segment. It offers a desirable specification, impressive technology and a super-efficient hybrid powertrain, all at a price point that undercuts key rivals.

Overview

Amid a flurry of new model launches and facelifts from Renault, the updated Captur – it’s second-best-selling model – emerges with a fresh face and new technology.

The popular compact SUV faces competition from some of the UK’s best-selling models, like the Ford Puma, Nissan Juke and VW T-Roc.

Renault’s ace card is it E-Tech hybrid engine, which gives the Captur a running cost advantage when compared to some of its key rivals.

The spacious and family-friendly Captur comes in a simplified three-model line-up – Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine - priced from £21,095. Two powertrains are offered: a simple petrol, with a manual gearbox, or the E-Tech hybrid automatic.

Comfort and practicality

The Captur is among the most spacious models in its class. It has a clever interior design that makes the most of the available room.

There’s plenty of storage, including large door bins and a neatly designed centre console with integrated cupholders. The gear lever is mounted higher up on panel that juts out beneath the central infotainment screen. It means there’s less bulk between the front seats, giving a greater sense of space.

In the rear, the seat bench can slide backwards and forwards. This allows for more boot space if required, at the expense of rear legroom. The boot is generous, with a capacity of 484 litres. This shrinks to 348 litres on the hybrid model. If you slide the seat bench all the forward – to the point where no one can sit in the back – then you’ll have an impressive 616 litres (480l in the hybrid).

The rear seats can also be folded with a 70:30 split to accommodate larger items, although they don’t lie level with the boot floor, making it tricky to slide items in.

All the main touchpoints have a quality feel. Renault has invested to give the Captur a more premium feel along with increasing its sustainability. Some of the fabrics and plastics are made from recycled materials.

There’s plenty of standard kit, too. The base model gets family-friendly tinted rear glass, a height adjustable driver’s seat, automatic air conditioning and extra air vents in the rear.

Safety and technology

All Captur models come with a portrait-mounted 10.4-inch central infotainment screen. The display has a high resolution and fast response. As well as controlling the car’s infotainment functions, it also integrates the climate controls.

The mid-range Techno and range-topping Esprit Alpine models integrate Google functions, such as Google Maps navigation and Google Assistant, as well as a fully digital instrument cluster. All variants include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The on-board technology is easy to use, thanks to a simple user interface. The climate controls remain visible at all times, at the bottom of the display, and other functions are organised into tiles, which can be customised.

There’s a reversing camera, fitted as standard, along with rear parking sensors, full LED headlights and keyless entry.

Additional safety functions, like lane keep assist and a speed limit warning system can be swiftly switched on or off using a physical switch on the dashboard.

Driveability and efficiency

The Captur’s engine line-up is limited to two options. The TCe 90 is a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that develops 90PS and has CO2 emission of 134g/km. It has a revvy nature and is fun to drive, don’t expect blinding performance though as 0-62mph takes 14.3 seconds.

Company car drivers are likely to favour the E-Tech hybrid. It’s more powerful, with 145PS on tap; easier to drive, thanks to its automatic gearbox; and more efficient, with CO2 emissions of 105g/km.

The hybrid engine sets off using just the electric motor and engine power cuts in and out when needed. Largely it’s a smooth and refined system that only really struggles if you make immediate calls for maximum power. The transmission hesitates a little and the engine note becomes quite course. When driven more carefully, the power delivery is more than adequate. You can expect close to 60mpg in mixed driving, too.

Handling has always been a strong attribute of the Captur, as its underpinnings are largely borrowed from the Clio. The steering is light and direct and the car feels agile on the road. We found the ride a little less forgiving than we expected on some potholed roads. Renault has tuned the suspension for keener handling and greater stability, rather than outright comfort.

Company car tax and running costs

While there are cheaper compact SUVs than the Captur, it’s one of the most cost-effective models from a fleet perspective.

The E-Tech Hybrid is especially impressive, undercutting the Nissan Juke Hybrid and Toyota Yaris Cross for both list price and running costs.

Company car tax rates start from 26%, putting a 20% taxpayer in line for bills of around £100 per month. It means the Captur undercuts the Yaris Cross, despite having slightly higher emissions, and offers a significant saving over the equivalent Ford Puma – the best-seller in this segment.

Our pick would be the £26,295 E-Tech Techno, as it comes with a more desirable specification, including the connected Google services, larger alloy wheels and fancier interior trims and upholstery.